Marvin “M.T” Simmons

Known throughout Georgia legal circles, Marvin T. Simmons, Jr. (known generally as M.T. ), was a lawyer’s lawyer, a mentor to countless younger attorneys, a paragon of decorum, a talented storyteller, true friend to many, and blessed with the unique ability to tell you he disagreed with you and make you like him because of it.

M.T. was born and raised in the southwest Georgia town of Donalsonville, the son of Erlene “Tene” Simmons and Marvin Simmons. He excelled in high school in academics and sports as the Quarterback of his high school team, which went to the state championship. He attended the University of Georgia, graduating in 1959 with a BBA in accounting, followed by a J.D. degree in 1960. While attending UGA, he joined Sigma Nu fraternity, forging close bonds with his fraternity brothers and the Law School which lasted his entire life. He was a member of Gridiron and an avid Bulldog fan!

Throughout his legal career, M.T. practiced in the Decatur area. He was fortunate to partner with many fine lawyers, including Joseph Szczecko, Wesley Warren and Bill McFee. From 1974, he served as the Senior and Managing Partner of the firm. He was recognized for decades in Best Lawyers in America, including the designation of Atlanta Lawyer of the Year for Family Law. He served as President of the Decatur-Dekalb Bar.

Believing and practicing the professionalism of service to others by example, M.T. gave selflessly of his time and talents. He served on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia from 1975 to 2005. He chaired the Georgia State Bar Disciplinary Board from 1978 to 1979, was the Chair of the State Bar Lawyers Assistance Program from 2000 to 2001, and served on the Georgia Board of Bar Examiners from 2005 to 2010, completing his term as Chair of that body.

A driving force in the creation of the Family Law Section of the State Bar, MT served as the Chair of the first Family Law Institute in March 1983, as well as Chair of the fledgling Family Law Section from 1982 to 1983. Since that time, the Institute has become the undisputed best source of training for several generations of Georgia family lawyers. M.T. was the recipient of the Family Law Section’s Joseph P. Tuggle, Jr. Award for professionalism in 1998, which recognizes those who exemplify the aspirational qualities of professionalism. He was the 1994 recipient of the Section’s Jack P. Turner Award, which honors lawyers who represent the pinnacle of what all family lawyers should strive to achieve: service, ethical conduct and professionalism. He served as the Associate Editor of the Family Law Section newsletter from 1996 to 1997.

A formidable courtroom presence and skillful advocate, M.T.’s skills were recognized by his peers through his professional affiliations. A member of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 1981, he served as vice-chair of the Georgia Chapter from 1984 to 1985. He was invited to join the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2001. A true believer in the importance of lawyer’s comradery, he was an active member of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta, a President of the Advocates Club, and a President of the Old War Horse Lawyers Club.

In later years until his death on January 15, 2019, M.T. used his extensive legal knowledge and interpersonal skills, including his engaging personality, acting as a mediator of family law disputes. Many difficult cases were resolved after long hours with his assistance.

M.T. is survived by his loving wife Jennie “Oma”, his daughter Teri Simmons,  and her husband Maurits Coppenrath, his daughter Amy Howard and her husband Ken, his grandson Damian Simmons Privat and his granddaughter Caroline Howard, his Aunt Betty Underwood and cousins Susan Shingler Hambrick, Leon T. Shingler, H. M. Shingler, Anne Trawick, David Gray, Leonard Martin, and Paul Martin.

He is also survived by a host of friends and Dot Simmons, Teri’s mother who all feel blessed to have known him.

M.T.’s  memorial service is scheduled for Monday, January 21, 2019 at 11 am at Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville, Georgia. Following the service, a reception and fellowship will be held at Chattahoochee Country Club in Gainesville, Georgia. 

The family requests that any memorial gifts be made to Family Promise of Hall County, P.O. Box 1251, Gainesville, GA 30503. [email protected].

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200 or for those who desire online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.